How to FAKE a CLEAN home (without actually cleaning)

[@spiritrecoveryyogawithtina3348]

Hi Cass! From a retired realtor my suggestion is to write a list of all your wants and needs. Needs are non-negotiations but the wants are different you; will never find all your wants without building. So what to do? Write a list of everything into two categories. When going into a house check off the lists. The one that checks all you non-negotiables and most of your wants is the winner! The only caveat is “the feeling” this happens within seconds of walking in. If that isn’t there it’s a pass. Good luck!!!

[@PuzS]

Great advice!

[@artzncrafts9237]

I agree, I kinda did the same thing. It took me sadly to say almost a year to find a house that checked all the non negationable. Then, I walked around to see my vision of the other spaces. Honestly I am still struggling on making it a "Bee" home cause it was an empty slate literally even main closet they took down clothes bar and had laid closet doors in another room...they were in house but no attachment to put closet doors back on for example. Which as you know, this was ok cause I shouldn't have them on anyway. The main thing that I love love about this home is I can stand in my livingroom, wake up look out the window or have a meal in the kitchen and I have the most relaxing view of peace and nature. So when my mind is racing and I am confused about what to do, I have to remind myself or... set a timer to look out to take time to try to focus. Today's tips were so helpful. I know I will watch this video again. Cas, you are ahead of us. You know your families style, and you know yourself better than you think you do. Start to see the entry way like you did today. Then you can bring pictures with you of furniture you are definitely going to move with and review the space while looking at your pictures. You will find the one when it's right. I moved almost 4000 miles back home to hopefully be in the home that I stay in the rest of my life, and I know that Rome wasn't built in a day. But I have something now I didn't have when I bought my 1st house the understanding that I am a Bee, so I can work at setting up systems. However, I struggle sometimes cause I have a TBI. This is why your videos are so helpful to me. Sorry, I ramble, and spell check is my friend. Don't give up, and don't bend on the necessities. 😊

[@Pinkfong2]

Don’t settle. Write down what you must have and what you want. Visualize. Think on it, pray and it will come. But chill first.

[@flyushkifly]

thanks for the reinforcement of logic!!!

[@Laurtew]

I second this. We had things that we could not give on, like we had 4 kids and two parents, so there had to be two bathrooms. This was not up for debate. I'm a baker for a living, a kitchen that's big enough to work in was a must. We really wanted non carpeted floors, but I was willing to give on that and then pull up the carpet and put down a floor I liked. Could I do the work myself figured in. I can paint and I could install a floor. I cannot build extra rooms or take walls out, so that would require paying someone In the end, two years of looking and we actually found the house that's perfect for us. I knew it when I walked in. We painted and I scraped popcorn ceilings and now I'm slowly doing things like repainting the kitchen cupboards and reflooring an office, but the house feels like home and we love it.

[@YFus825]

10 years ago I soooo wanted to move, but my husband convinced me that there is “no better mousetrap” out there. In the same way that you can adjust to only having one instead of two spatulas, you can adjust to ANY house. Now, 10 years later, we own the house in which we live and I am so grateful that we didn’t “start over” years ago with a new mortgage. It’s ok to stay where you are.

[@adelevercueil9172]

I totally agree with you. I felt the same about our house. My husband lived in the house since 2006.. we got married in 2011.. It never felt like it was "my home." 😢 Wanted to buy a new place and move, but that would not be for the best. Years later, I'm so grateful that we didn't move. Our house is still "small," but we make it work for our family. And we own the place, not paying some ridiculous amount on the home loans each month! (From South Africa)

[@Patti-1962]

We did exactly the same thing, many years ago. When it was "time" for us to move to a bigger house, we looked at many houses, but they were so expensive. We kept our smaller house, and now we are about to retire in it! Even with five grandchildren, we make it work. When the family comes to stay, we put an air conditioner in the garage and lay a large carpet down to make a play room for the kids. We need it to be a garage for most of the year, and this is the most inexpensive way to create an extra play room!

[@rockymntain]

@@Patti-1962 Plus a small house keeps the kids from wanting to move back in ; ).

[@S3renity81]

​@@rockymntain 😂

[@sherielowe4256]

Same here, we are still in our starter home...so now it's our downsized home. No mortgage is the best.

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

Cas shares the best tips. Agree?!

[@tamarawyrick6569]

Agreed! ❤

[@cherieiduke1723]

Real tips. Not just throw it away. Have one dish for each family member.

[@PuzS]

💯 a million x over

[@tamaratorres6368]

@Mrs. Alma Trumble, totally agree!

[@juliemoore6957]

Do NOT buy a house until you walk in , and feel that "this is home" in your soul! We ended up in smaller home than I wanted, but it screamed "Home!!" to us. Is it perfect? No. But with paint, love, and TLC, it's my home sweet home, and I love it. Years later, we now have room to spare. My husband and I each have our own office, plus a guest room! The kids grew up so fast! Another thing: the more bathrooms you have, the more you have to clean! Stop comparing every house to HGTV! That is not reality!

[@LisaofHopewell]

I used to help struggling adult college students. In my workshop I showed the Command Center. I'd challenge them to pick one thing from the workshop to try--then call, email or drop-in and tell me about it. 100% chose the Command Center--I showed an example using a free funeral home calendar, and old dish pan, etc, to make it real world. ( I also showed beautiful ones). All of them happily shared their pictures--magazine files made from Cheerios boxes, a dish pan, a hand made calendar in one--it was all there, but guess what? IT WORKED. They solved one problem and went on to solve more and graduate. Keep preaching the Command Center--please!!!!

[@teressafranks7047]

This is one of the most realistic and inexpensive way to clean your home video I have seen in a long time. Thank you.

[@ig1480]

Ive got the same feeling! 😍

[@deeelight70]

Inexpensive? $25 hampers, $20 baskets, trays, a command center, a Roomba? I don’t know what income bracket or reality y’all are living in, but I don’t have that kind of disposable income to throw around for the sake of being lazy. Put hooks on the wall? As a tenant, I’ll get kicked out. I don’t care what my house looks like during the day - I’m at work, the kids are at school and when I get home, the kids are making a mess of things. I clean on weekends. You know - actual cleaning.

[@andreao8535]

​@@deeelight70 then this video is not for you. And that's okay.

[@MsLisa1951]

​@@deeelight70I know how u feel. It adds up, but I have a solution. Dollar Tree is a treasure. You'd be surprise at stuff u can find 4 a dollar or more. I turn my empty Swifter container into a makeup caddy. All my clips & brushes in another, my teeth cleaning stuff in another. Easy to put away out of sight. Reuse stuff that comes in large boxes & put gift wrap around it. It looks pretty. As for clothes everytime I buy 1 top, dress, pants I donate 1 of each that I dont wear anymore. I bought a rumba when on sale. Always just before or after Xmas. They need to get rid of inventory before New Year. Cyber Monday is 5 days now. So go for it.

[@rhonda410]

@@deeelight70 Actual cleaning is very commendable, of course, yet, many simple storage containers and trays are right at the dollar store. Command hooks will come off easy too, so good for tenants.

[@ginwilcox9555]

"Cosplay a minimalist"! 🤣 That fractured me. Thank you for being so real and relatable!!!! 😁

[@amyworman4196]

My mom always used to say "A neat house looks like a clean house"! Wise woman ❤

[@theresabrown1272]

I’m much more of a cleaner than a tidier.. but I’m the first to say Tidy looks clean

[@pjackson2064]

👍 to your Mom! My Mom was a ferocious cleaner. I believe, I was responsible for her grey hair, because I am an "artist". Nothing bad about artists, but my imagination is constantly on full charge and it rarely involves a cleaning supply. Except to make something out of them for the Barbie house I built for my grandkid . I took my Mom in after an accident left her disabled and the first few months worlds were crashing. Until she realized, that taking good care of her was more important than the flecks of dust not being removed within minutes.

[@xLiLlyx98]

​@@pjackson2064 Seems like something that might happen if I ever had to take my mom in... She is obsessively tidy and clean, to a perfectionist level, and sometimes I fear for the stress levels it causes her 😅😂

[@cyndyloowho]

I'm a Realtor. If you were my client, this is what I'd tell you: stay where you are. Don't settle. It seems hard to imagine, but your kiddos will be adults and out of the house so much SOONER than anyone ever thinks. If you sacrifice and go for that bigger mortgage that stretches the budget too thin, or you settle for things in your new home that bug you forEVER, you'll regret the move....forEVER. You'll talk yourself into accepting what was done was done and that it's okay enough, but the truth is you'll know it was a misstep. I think I've talked more people OUT of buying/selling than I've ever represented, lol. But I'm honest like that, and I just want people to be truly happy. Maybe I should've been a therapist instead?? 🤣 I've done a LOT of counseling since I became a Realtor. ❤ ya Cass! xoxoxo

[@LimegreenSnowstorm]

I appreciate how ADHD friendly this is. Also the kitchen counter tip is exactly what I needed; the counters have been bugging me FOREVER

[@lin-nayaloverofbeagles]

yes, except for the putting appliances and such away. If it is out of sight, as Inattentive ADHD it's out of mind and I forget I have it and rebuy it.... ugh.

[@rayshelld791]

Retired real estate business owner here. Wish every home seller could see this video. One big thing that causes a potential buyer to hesitate during a showing, is a dirty or cluttered home. Excellent ideas. Great video.

[@mffmoniz2948]

Yes! One house I saw had other problems but I remember it still because it was so dusty. In one room there was enough dust on top of the heater to plant something. It had a thick black layer. In a room where someone obviously lived. I was scared of imagining how much dust I'd have to clean myself if we bought that. The house we did buy was tidy and clean. It was obvious how we could live in it. And when we moved in, some light dusting and a vacuum, ready. Clean and tidy. Doesn't have to be a deep clean but show some clean surfaces if you want to sell your house.

[@diannabaggett1372]

Don’t lower your expectations. Find contentment where you are while you wait for the perfect house.

[@karenhayes578]

Hate to be the one to say this but your kids are going to grow up and be out of the house before you know it and you will not need all the extra space. Then your going to want to size down so stay where you are and save your money . Everything is so expensive right now maybe just do some updates at your house. Besides this is where your kids have grown up this is where their memories are , so focus on what you love about this house.

[@sunsetatshabooms4558]

this

[@poppyseed389]

Yes this absolutely

[@marciabutler987]

So true!

[@christinaorourke8913]

I was going to say the same thing! We've been in our house 28 yrs, 2 daughters. The teenage years were hard with 1 bathroom. My Mom said soon enough it will be more than enough. She was right!

[@RhondaFry-zl7ze]

I totally agree!!!

[@treenakurek7643]

Do NOT buy a house that has things in it that will bug you forever. Do not settle, the right house will come, in the meantime, you have a beautiful home that works.

[@greenwillow5404]

Great advice! Agree completely.

[@debbyjo123]

Yes!!!! You will know when you find the right house… be patient!!!

[@pcatMe]

Good advice the bug you things are often too expensive to change or impossible to change

[@jonovitzki8667]

Yes!! Totally agree ❤

[@IndianaNana1]

Agreed. When the right one comes along, you'll know. When you walk in it and you have that feeling that it is it, you'll be ecstatic. It will come. 😀

[@stephaniemorris9337]

Okay, I like you! You get right to the point! You provide solutions fast! Some other organizers talk too much. SHOW ME! Thank you so much!

[@lmack6596]

"swoosh it so it looks like you vacuumed it" 😂 💕 When I was little, my Mum sometimes sprayed furniture polish round before guests came to make it at least smell like she'd dusted 😂😂

[@Clutterbug]

😂

[@allisonmcqueen7900]

Since I discovered your channel, I have completely decluttered my WHOLE house and NOW, it really does look clean all the time!

[@Clutterbug]

WOOHOO!!!!

[@christykelley8179]

Holy Hell ! So it actually can be done!!??? I’m adhd and drift from one room to the next, never finishing any one thing, ever. There is hope then LOL ❤😅

[@AutisMinasClearingClutter]

@@christykelley8179there is definitely hope, always❤

[@ande4003]

Having moved often due to work, my experience has always been that when I find the right house, even if it's not perfect, I just KNOW as soon as I step in the front door. And I always ask the Lord for direction. Thanks for all you do!

[@hollie611]

God bless you

[@ladykathrynperry9094]

Great advice!!!🙏🏻

[@annamariekorte7259]

Always pray for the lords direction when house hunting

[@cc1k435]

That really has been my experience, too. 😊

[@lauriereber8939]

Cas, If your needs are for more home space and not more land, look at the home you already own and how you can improve it to more fit your needs. You will be creating something that perfectly fits your needs and not gaining the large morgage needed to purchase a new home that needs tweacking anyway. Love your videos and thanks for all your hard work.

[@simonegodwin7449]

My problem is we merged hones when I got married and we now don't technically have to right sized house for us :-( with no real way of moving

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

@@simonegodwin7449 Cas addressed that exact issue in Season 2 of Hot Mess House (can't remember the episode number off the top of my head).

[@donzelleendres9109]

If the other houses have more things that will drive you crazy stay put. Put whatever money you were going to put into down payment on other house into yours. If your jobs have access to borrow from your 401k and pay yourself back with future pay checks do that. You pay no interest. Best of luck.

[@sandrareford6556]

Agree!

[@colinkulowcreative]

I call my Quarantine Bin my “Trial Separation Bin”! 😂

[@jeannekolb2258]

Hilarious!😂😂

[@andreaodell8769]

You are awesome! We have taken 23 pickup trucks full, FULL! Decluttering helps me! My husband is learning. I so appreciate what you do!

[@Rebecca-creates]

Don't buy a house just to settle. You might be in it longer than you think. The home you have is comfy and you know where all the cracks are! Buying someone elses can be a surprise. I'll never have what I wanted, but where I am is warm and safe. Updates are exciting and we are not in debt. Just my thoughts!

[@stefflcus]

Agree! I'm looking for a house (ahhhh, save meeee!) in a lower price range, and it's kind of a circus. Looked at one the other day that looked cute, but it had issues and was far too small, even for me as a single person. So after I thought about it, trying so hard to see how to make it work just so I could finally have a house, I told my agent I wasn't going to pursue it. And she said something REALLY IMPORTANT to me: "I'm proud of you for not settling." Like... whoa! She's right, but I never would have said it to myself. I thought I was being picky and ungrateful. But I would have been unhappy every single day the entire time I lived there.

[@Rebecca-creates]

Good for you ! You will be happy every morning instead of regretful.

[@misorixious]

Finally a sweet person with solutions for real actual life!

[@juliacockroft8745]

WAIT until you find the house that says ‘home’ to you. Also remember, as hard as it is to consider, your daughters are going to be out on their own in a very few years so you won’t need the space you think you need now. 💝

[@shirleygermain5707]

So true.

[@BrendaJones492]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@ellachallas]

Yes!

[@marciabutler987]

My first thought!

[@mamat1213]

You never know in these times… 😢 we’ve accepted that my oldest will prob stay home thru college

[@moonmusicgrl07]

The house we bought was definitely not my dream house, but it didn't take long for it to feel like home. There were also little things I wanted, but didn't absolutely need when we were looking for a house, like a fireplace. This house didn't have one, but we installed an electric fireplace for a fraction of the price, and it still delights me.

[@mahr-899]

Nice suggestions. A few years ago, I had already organised my house the way you suggested. Another tip is to buy furniture where you can put things. Avoid "open" furniture and prefer closeable bookcases or similar that avoid spending time cleaning up the dust.

[@JamieM470]

SO true, and I wish I knew that many years ago lol.

[@cathycoryell2351]

Drawers are very effective

[@nereidatabora5438]

That's what I do. Don't like open space

[@dollsizedpistol1]

Yes, agree! I learned this the hard way -- I have an open book case that drives me bonkers. It's not practical at all.

[@nancyhoskins197]

Having bookcases with bottom cupboards is a great solution for so any things. One thing i would add, open baskets with magazines, blankets and toys still looks cluttered. Tuck them in the book cases. Or buy or make boxes with lids, get baskets with tops. Stackable paper files works for the magazines.

[@tamarawyrick6569]

I absolutely love that you are so real. Not the best cleaner, maybe a little lazy. That is SO me but I am learning from you so many little things I can do to be better and make it look better. Thank you, Cas. Really, thank you.

[@MissTiffanyK1]

After viewing dozens of houses over a couple of years, we ALMOST settled for an okay house and then backed out. I was so fed up with waiting that I was convinced we'd have to build to get what we wanted (which would've been crazy expensive!), but then it happened! We walked into an open house and knew we'd found the house for us, and 8 years later I'm still so thankful to be here. Keep yourself open to possibilities and the right solution will come! Maybe make a new vision board?! ❤

[@rachelverbracken8751]

Your reply helped me!! Thank you!!! Going to make a vision board for a house!

[@chereehort5396]

I’m a Realtor. My daughter looked for two years and found the house that she absolutely loves. It has doubled in price since 2017. Your house is out there! When the time is right it will happen… just don’t give up!

[@Ford98270]

House: We also we’re feeling we needed a tad bit more house when our kids were early teens. We looked and stopped. Life. By the time we looked again. Kids were part time home due to college away. Now? Still here and it’s perfect. Looking at retirement. Equity will pay for our down size home in a warmer location. Won’t lie, looking back space was tight. But, we made it through.

[@rebeccapickett9692]

Agree. If your kids are teens, don't buy a larger house for "today". By the time you blink 10 times, they'll be out of your house and into their own houses - and you'll be looking to downsize.

[@gracie2375]

That’s encouraging because I’m dreading giving up my dream granite counters kitchen with my chef stove to retire to a much smaller place with an ordinary kitchen like college days- super discouraging 😢

[@maryannwebster7271]

You CREATE it! At 70 I built the dream house…but change is all you can count on in life….the adult kids got great houses of their own …. & swimming pools too. How I wish I would have interviewed people a little older to see what was inevitably coming. Bc now I have way too much house …. To maintain, to keep, to spend money on, to pay taxes on! I wish I had simplified instead of going for the dream that was 20-30 years too late as far as size & all the things you think you want…we even have a theater … that is rarely used.

[@mariegier6018]

Love, love love my Roomba, I call it Robert and it's my best helper. Saves, so much time, energy and is programmed to work every day but Sunday. Am 95 and feel forever. You are so spot on, enjoy your vivacity! 😘

[@aliblue3605]

A: Don’t settle, wait for the one, or make your own home better. I just moved and it’s a ton of work to move all your stuff. Yes, it helped with decluttering motivation as well. B: find ways to make your home better within your budget. If you love this house still to a degree, stay and just do what you can do to make it work for you and your family!

[@cindystepp7793]

Wait a little longer for the house you want, or buy a piece of land and build what you want. That's what we ended up doing because we couldn't find the perfect house, so we built it. Your videos are wonderful and help messy me out so much! Thank you!

[@terryglebocki-d6e]

I’ve been following you for over a year and this is my favorite video by far. You took all of the tricks to keeping a tidy house and put them in one video. I have stumbled upon each of these tips on my own over my lifetime but you’ve put them all together in one place. This will help so many. Thanks for what you do!

[@wraithconscience]

You're the best, Cass! All the other "minimalist mothers", "declutter queens" and "home organizers" (is that like a "community organizer"?) don't hold a candle to you! Your videos are inspiring, the tips totally do-able and easy to understand, remember and implement. Haven't come so far as to get a rumba. Don't like strange "beings" in my house -- unless it wants to pay rent or marry me, but I might change out the corded vacuum cleaner for a cordless. The new dogs is SOOOOO cute! God bless! (P.S. Don't buy any house that doesn't speak to your heart! Don't. The right house will come along. Do this trick to free up the mind -- look at things totally and deliberately outside the box -- things too expensive, outside the area, different styles! Some will say this is a dangerous strategy. I disagree. It frees up the mind and the expectattions. A friend went to look at a house that he knew was too small and too far away. It turned out the children of an elderly couple were fighting about the inheritance of the large gorgeous house across the street and the owner sold it to my friend at a fire-sale price just to annoy his nasty children. My friend is now good friend with the fomer owner. And you never know -- the owner of the slightly too expensive house might like your dog or you or your children, or be the first love of your long, lost aunt. Who knows? That "other" neighborhood might have hidden gems or help you rethink. If every house in an expensive neighborhood has a pool but yours doesn't, it will be cheaper. Go to "undersirable" or "off the radar" neighborhoods, "non-neighborhoods" (not due to crime, of course, but say not "in" neighborhoods -- just for contrast and for clarifying what you definately don't want). It's an exercise -- a mental exercise. Keep looking, keep looking, keep looking. The right house will "speak" to you! Also, "declutter" your expectations -- that doesn't mean settle for less or buying too expensive, but you might have an expectation or two in your mind that in reality turn out to be not as important as you thought. Identify it and put it in "quarantine". Or, maybe that "unnecessary" swimming pool is more important than something else. You never know. You'll be fine!)

[@jocelynevaillancourt7573]

Best video I have seen up to now with great ideas!!! 😊

[@orisha625]

“Cosplaying as a minimalist” 😂 I can relate 😂😂😂 I got so much out of this and did it as I was organizing and it ALREADY looks nicer!! I’m cant wait to implement these around the house. THANK YOU 🙏🏼 🎉🎉🎉🎉❤

[@RMFtheclumsy]

Putting garbage cans everywhere was my first Step to a Tidy Home some 20 years ago (that journey still has no end). How messy can be an apartment, when the only garbage can is in the kitchen and it's five liters. Your little helper is such a sweetie.

[@heatherburrill]

My parents looked for a slightly bigger house for years, mostly they just wanted a garage (not a possibility at current house) because of snow. The thing was that our house backed out onto a beautiful and protected green space behind our house. We also had amazing neighbours. It turned out it was impossible for other houses to compete, as much as my parents tried. Looking at other houses made us look at our current house and make a list of all the things that we loved- non-negotiables. They had a seasonal sunroom built on the back added a second bathroom in the basement…etc. They have now been in that house since 1974. The house has felt bigger and smaller over the years depending on residency numbers and season, though there was always a way to squeeze in guests. Do not settle! Keep looking and the right house might come along at the right time, or you may end up fitting into your current house as circumstances change and creativity inspires. At least you don’t need to do any major decluttering and organizing 😉

[@wildcrocus]

The mess will always expand to fit the container it is given if you don't have the habit of decluttering. It might take more time to build up, but it will happen.

[@maleidi]

​​@@wildcrocus i can see why they didn't move. I too apreciate a green space for leisure. And with nice neighbors your life is wonderfull and socially cluter free. No garage would surpass that!

[@jaclyngannon7436]

When we moved into our current home, we definitely did some settling, because it checked the most important boxes. Eight years later, we have chipped away at making the improvements we needed to make it closer to “dream house” status. So I guess it really comes down to: do you want something that checks the most number of boxes, or the most prioritized boxes.

[@Seypup]

Oh my gosh using a bin to get ready in the morning you just solved my worst clutter problem. I don’t know why I can’t put stuff away in the bathroom. It drives my husband crazy and I have been trying for years. I’ve tried all sorts of other organizing methods in drawer, organizers everything and the minute you talked about the Caddy. I know this will particularly work for me. I actually have a perfect caddy that I love from Amazon. We’re all the compartments are adjustable and I use that for all my manicure stuff so I’m going to buy another one for the bathroom. The reason I love it is as my needs change I don’t have to buy a different caddy because I just couldn’t re-organize the one I have by moving the compartments around and I add magnets to the inside of a couple of them so I put my manicure scissors and nail clippers right there. They’re always accessible so I’m going to do the same thing with my bathroom one and put some magnets on it and I can keep my tweezers right there always handy.

[@peggypeck1539]

You are truly blessed. I have never had a house. We were military and moved often. I have had 3 brand new mobile homes but I would have loved a house. Never had a garage, basement or attic. I too am blessed. Same husband for 62 years.

[@desireetman]

Honestly when it comes to buying a different home, the same principles of minimalism and life really apply. Don’t buy or keep something if you absolutely do not love it. Let’s face it, a house is one of the biggest objects you will own in your life, get one that is loveable ❤️ like penny ❤️🐶

[@marabookstagram]

I added a hanging laundry bag in my living room because there would always be socks and kids' clothes on the floor. It's been life changing! There's even a zipper on the bottom, so it's super easy to empty when I do laundry.

[@donnav]

I think there’s something about having a tray tricking your brain into reading the multiple items as just one thing (which is more simple to the eye). Love all these tips Cas!

[@kthomas661]

I used the quarantine bin technique when my mom moved into assisted living, although we didn't call it that. She did not have enough room in her studio apartment to store all the things she was not ready to give up. So, I bought 3 large totes - one for kitchen things, one for out of season clothes, and one for knick-knacks /home decor. I sat down with her and we decided that all out of season clothing would go into the large tote and each season we'd switch out clothing/discard things that needed to go as we packed away and if need-be we'd order new items as we unpacked. The kitchen items were the hardest items for her because she didn't have a real kitchen but just a little kitchenette. She had to make some decisions about big items like crock pots, and serving dishes, but we kept a couple of sets (setting of 4-6) for those times she might entertain - just in case. As seasons went by I did not bring the other kitchen items out of storage and eventually those were given away. The last tote was for knick-knacks/decor. I convinced my mom that just like with the clothing we could redecorate her place each season. So, when the clothes came out so did the knick-knack tote! We had fun for a few days each season going through the items and selecting a new theme for the apartment. From living /kitchen area to bedroom, we changed out everything we could including clocks (new batteries had to be replaced anyway), vases, pictures for the walls... you name it. I confess... MOm started out with about 3 large totes just for decor. She had a lot and she wasn't ready to get rid of it for some time. Another thing that helped her was that when she was changing out items seasonally it was great for conversation starters. Memories were shared with family and other visitors. Mom was proud of her little studio and the place didn't feel cluttered.

[@raniatimarzi-fe2pl]

I am following Cass for the last 10 years when there were barely any tidying experts out there .Feels like always meeting with old friend when watching new video

[@Clutterbug]

I love that

[@barbtwining7650]

When we went looking, after 30 years in the same house, we walked into our house and we felt a welcoming sense right away. Although it sits beside a walk way to a college, which I wasn’t wild about, the sense of warmth, if that makes sense, was what pushed us to buy it. I want to change some stuff, but that sense of warmth we felt has never gone away. This house was a good fit for us. I hadn’t felt that in any of the other houses I had gone through. Oh we could have made other houses work for us, but this house spoke to us. I know it sounds corny, but that was what both my husband and I experienced.

[@The_Real_Mier]

When you’re looking for houses and you are going from viewing to viewing, you will KNOW immediately when you enter YOUR HOME! Because the right house, and ONLY the right one, will feel as if it already IS home. Just like you describe it. And yes, then you can easily reconsider some of your ‘demands’ and some indeed will feel not (that) important anymore. Glad you found yours! I myself will have to do that whole ‘parcour’ again in the coming year or so, due to a divorce (and currently in a tiny rental apartment)… but I’m not worried, because I KNOW the one that will be my home, is definitely going to be there!

[@Kimzworld1]

I love the idea of the quarantine box. I think that would be a perfect one for my craft stuff that I feel like I will do but haven't got to yet :) I also think it's great for other things that I am not sure I should get rid of :)

[@bellaluce7088]

Classic Cass: 15:59 Quarantine method of clutter-clearing to "cosplay as a minimalist." ; - D Thanks as always for life-changing tips delivered with positivity and humor! 😄👏❤

[@Clutterbug]

You're welcome!

[@debbiemohekey1509]

An empty tissue box makes a great small waste paper basket, can actually fit a ton of rubbish in and doesn't look like a waste paper basket and is great in any small space, beside the bed, in the car etc and if it gets tipped up-side-down nothing will fall out and if you only put burnable stuff in, it can be used as a fire starter at a later date for open fire, barbeque or fire pit. I know an adult family who are super organized and clutter free and their houses always seemed immaculate. It was years before I noticed they were actually filthy. Being so clutter free should have made it easy to clean but such tidiness made many great first and second impressions.

[@noth9617]

"when everything's visual, nothing's visual" that's so true. I've literally been LOOKING for things I know I have and digging through places I think I would or should store them if they were stored, only to do a big tidy up/declutter and find the thing hiding in plain sight!

[@cynthiamayer6506]

Thank you so much for all this great advice. While I was looking for a carry all basket in my closet, I was able to declutter the whole closet and group like things together. Funny how we go to do one thing, and it starts the ball rolling for so many other things. 😊

[@paigeajamieson]

My husband and I just went through the same thing with our house and it’s the third time we’ve looked over the years. We have ultimately decided to stay because of the neighborhood and we’ll just make it work. It’s a tough decision and I completely understand how you’re feeling. ❤

[@renbeet]

Love the tip about the magazine holder. As soon as you said that, I jumped up and grabbed one for my desk -- perfect solution!

[@OToole2.0]

Wow, you inspired me. It didn't feel like I needed to set aside a day or a big chunk of time. I just started and ended up cleaning part of my garage. I'm making so much progress. Thank you! Your method just works.

[@MeredithMacArthur]

This video is freaking brilliant. As a chronic clutter-er, these tips will help so much.

[@angelescobar1168]

So when we bought our home I settled for good enough. Now I love it! We’ve slowly redone our home. Every time we redo something I love it more ❤️ You’re the type of person to make spaces into what you want any ways. Would you be happy with something that seamed to be everything you wanted already done?

[@sammyfay5982]

You are awesome. Awesome tips and as always, love your happy way. 😊 My kids are now 23 and 25 and getting ready to move out. It goes fast. Now we are looking to downsize. With that said, if you love your location and can’t find anything that you love, I would stay because in the blink of an eye you won’t need the space 😢

[@lisbetsoda4874]

The irony about stages of life and needs: When we are younger and strapped for money, we need all the space. Later when you get more breathing space financially, you don't need the larger home anymore.

[@poppyseed389]

This is seriously the most helpful video ever. I'm going to come back to it over and over to really absorb

[@lynnmerritt3469]

These tips are the best you have ever published...everyone can do them. Thank you!

[@carolilseanne2175]

I've struggled for decades with decluttering, I have the 'What if, but I might need it' mindset. I love your idea about the box of stuff going to the garage! I am going to use it. Thank you!

[@alisonschooley5459]

Wow, your end story(and all of the tips) were right where my husband of 35 years and I are. We are in retirement, allegedly looking to downsize, and the lure of a chef level kitchen is what drives my husband to like a home(I do most of the cooking). Do we commit to a historical home(possible money pit) or go with walk in ready and fix what we want? Since we are in retirement we have decided to go with what makes our life easier, but keep our eye out for our dream home(historical already fixed up). What made our choice easier was, this is not forever. We set a goal, 5 years, then see where we are. Think how many more years of kids in the house or coming home(we have 3- 31-25year olds-they still come home and with friends). Good luck, it is tough, but keep looking and you will refine your choices.

[@cynthiajenkins508]

Home suggestion: What if you bought a home that was a less expensive but actual fixer and did a sponsored series called "Cas's Dream Home Renovation"? You have 3/4 million subscribers already. People love renovation stories! You are a great story teller and lots of people would absolutely tune in to find out - what's happening with the house this week? And it all builds to the Big Reveal, when you get to show all of the Before and Afters. The viewers are happy, you likely have a bunch of new subscribers, the sponsors are thrilled because more people are buying their products and services, and you get your dream home! And hey, your friend Melissa from Clean My Space probably has an idea or two I'd start by asking her what she'd do differently... 🏡😍

[@cenavisch8888]

Cool idea!!! 😃😃😃

[@genevievesophia]

This totally worked for me today! Houseguests arrived a day early with an hour's notice - house was decluttered but grubby - when I apologized for the dirty bathroom, they both looked at me like I was crazy and said, "this is a dirty bathroom to you??" The counter was tidy, there was nothing on the floor, so they thought it looked clean. 😁

[@PreferredMethods]

I love cleaning! I just can’t when there’s too much clutter in the way! 😂 Thank you for this awesome video!

[@MomLuvs2Collect]

Awesome tips 👏! I've always hated cleaning so "Let's be lazy together" is the best saying I've ever heard 😂! I don't mind organizing though so I'm definitely going to try these 👍

[@valeriekinghorn9433]

I absolutely LOVE the concept of the quarantine box - and the phrase “cosplay as a minimalist”. A wonderful way to convey things and get people to try it on to “see how it feels”!

[@noravelez3]

Hi Cass. I wish you the best of luck in finding a new home. Wanted to THANK YOU for your channel. I saw one of your decluttering videos a couple of years ago and it changed my life. Today I came across your channel while surfing and can't believe I stopped watching. Staying on top of clutter and cleaning is such a challenge for me!! You inspire me to never stop trying.

[@cathy2142]

We bought our dream house as our second purchased home. It had extra features we did not even know we would love❤. We did plenty of remodeling before. No more! This house is wonderful and we are thankful😊

[@Pittykittymomma4ever]

Thank you for this!! Im disabled with chronic daily migraine and have great difficulty keeping up a neat, clean home. I have clutter everywhere and i hate it!! Ill definitely try these awesome tips!!! They are so simple and doable!!!

[@Jazzatic2011]

I make my bed most days in my day. Today was too early a start lol However for most rooms a bed is a large portion of a bedroom if not the majority of the bedroom itself. So when you make it tidy its like having 60% of the room in order. It makes a difference

[@kalenakai6808]

Reminds me of Admiral McRaven's make your bed speech. It starts your day with a task completed.

[@jeme7339]

It seems more sanitary to OPEN the bed - fold covers back to allow sheets to air

[@aprilkeener3345]

I love the magazine holder idea. I have a bookshelf by my chair that collects books, patterns, papers, etc that just looks messy. Organizing all that stuff in magazine holders is such a great idea!!! So simple, yet so great. Your puppy is absolutely adorable too!!! Thanks for all the suggestions. I too HATE to clean.

[@petercehily2687]

Love the quarantine bin idea. Trays and caddies are helpful too. Helpful video, very helpful. Also the location of a home is one of the most important features at least to me since you cannot change the neighborhood or surroundings. Things that you won’t be able to change are important to pay attention to and they have a big impact on your life. You can change many things when it come to decor etc.

[@jennifergrady5972]

My husband and I recently bought a house. We are allowing ourselves a month to get some things done at the new house and get everything packed up and moved. I’m purging, paring down and organizing things as I pack. It might seem counterproductive, but I am determined to not have to move and then store things we don’t want, use or need if we don’t have to do so. I also figure that it will make the unpacking and figuring out new homes for things much easier. This is a long, tedious and exhausting process, but I feel that it will be worth it and very rewarding in the end. I’d go with a house that checks most of the boxes and stays within your budget. You can always do some minor renovations or even big ones later on down the road after moving it and getting settled. Good luck on the house hunting. ❤️

[@RoxannaMeyers]

The ONLY cleaning/organizing video that has ACTUALLY WORKING down to earth tips❤ thanks a lot fot it. I’ll probably rewatch it again a few times👍🏼😊

[@wingit58]

I"m totally with you on that - and yes it works IF the rest of the people in the house participate. I keep telling everyone "every object has an address and needs to live there" - well, it works most of the time, not all the time I find myself being the chief person returning objects to their designated 'address'. Hubby and kids, have a tendency to leave stuff around until I tell them to return them to where they need to be. God, I hate stuff!

[@cheerpoasting]

My mom has a bin in the closet and would throw it away every so often 😂

[@pamelataylor3537]

This video has heaps of great tips for keeping our homes clean and tidy. As I have back injuries along with other thing’s it’s very difficult for me to do much cleaning and I have to really pace myself your tips are awesome for me. I don’t really make my mess anywhere else in the house but my bedroom lol. I’ll be in there today putting some of your tips ti good use. Thank you. Please don’t settle for any house the right one will come along and you will know as soon as you enter it. Good luck in your search. Looking forward to your next video.

[@breallred19]

We had our moment of walking in and feeling "this is home," even our realtor said it. But, it wasn't perfect. We've painted almost every room in this house. There are some things that still aren't my favorite, but we will eventually fix them. Point being, there is a middle ground where you have that moment & know it's right for you, even if it doesn't necessarily have allllllllll of the bells and whistles that a new construction or custom build might have. Hoping you guys have your "this is home" moment soon! ❤

[@gemmalander1853]

I knew my house was the one from my first visit, it was a fixer upper so the interior didn’t really matter, it was old, it smelled funny but I did just get that excited, in love feeling of “This is it!” no other house had done that for me. I loved it so much my husband told me to buy it without having even seen it and he felt the same when he got here. I hope you find that feeling too x

[@abroussard1661]

"Clutter catchers," sheer genius! Especially love the tall narrow basket and magazine holder ideas. Caddy system is great too. Just a great video overall, thanks!🎉😊

[@catherineheaney1470]

Hi Cas! Love your videos, endless ideas and warm positivity. You are a treasure. My advice for your house hunt is a couple of tips. I made a list once in an apartment search in my single days. It was a crazy list full of features I thought were impossible to ever find, including a deck, fireplace, parking, in unit laundry, big kitchen, even access to a backyard. I actually found a place with all those features. Never could believe it could be done in my low budget in Chicago. Make a list, laugh at yourself for it, but keep it with you and meditate on it. You NEVER know what surprises the universe has in store. That apartment was my last one bc my husband knocked on the door as a blind date one night. Great karma there, hard to move as it was a dream that made other dreams come true. Then our house hunt together: it was the feeling but also not settling. LIGHT is one of the most important elements in any house purchase. Find the house with the best light, usually the one with best southern exposure bc that’s the path of the sun in our hemisphere. Also remember that times and trends and styles change. You will want to redo any kitchen, any bathroom, repaint with different colors eventually. But a home that is well-laid out for your lifestyle. Everything else changes over time, including you and what your tastes are. One thing that I needed was bedrooms on one floor for all of our kids so I can know when they are coming and going. No bedrooms in basements, which I see very commonly now. A master suite with our own bathroom, very important. Wish I’d gotten a bigger laundry room but it’s livable. And my two most important features: a kitchen sink that faces our wide wall of windows into our backyard to watch kids/ birds/ clouds/ sky as I work AND our library/family room/ tv watching zone that doesn’t look at all at the kitchen. So I can get away from “obligatory work” on the regular. It’s a getaway. FULL OF WINDOWS and LIGHT. All of the house is open concept, except for our nightly refuge where we watch tv and the kids get nightly back rubs. Also highly recommended. Ok. Too much info. Follow the light, ignore the trends, trust your instincts for your sense of home and make a ridiculous list that makes you giggle. You might just find it. Oh also, we bought a house that was gut-rehabbed 25 years ago but had no fireplace. This was my deal-breaker. But we pledged to each other by our 10th anniversary we would add one back in. And we did. 25 years almost now happily in the same house with my blind-date-found husband. Pure Bliss. 3 kids in college, empty nest in August. I hope I’ll never move. If you want to decamp to Chicago, I’d LOVE your help Decluttering!!! 😉😂😂😂😘😘❤️🕊 Great Luck and Huge Blessings on your home search!! 🙏🏻🕊🙌🏻

[@sarahsmom1002]

This is a real gem of a video--so many practical tips! I'm bookmarking it so I can go back to it periodically for reminders & motivation. You're the best, Cas!!! I've learned so much from you & my home & state of mind are the better for it 😊

[@Hummingbirds2023]

Love the tray and the tall thin basket idea. Plus the declutter box. Great stuff!!

[@TSunshineful]

I have been doing the quarantine thing for a while now. I have one for each room of the house. It's AMAZING how much stuff in the boxes I've never missed! (But it's also amazing how much stuff I take out of it after a month of not missing it.) It's like going to a store and getting free stuff, lol.

[@NChambers-mm3hi]

I love your presentations. You are so refreshing and fun to watch. Your tips are truly helpful. I appreciate you being authentic and witty. I could watch you all day. Thank you!

[@jonnaborosky8836]

Love this video. I've needed it my whole life, especially the gradual declutter! When buying a house, I made a list of what I actually needed. I said a prayer about help to find the best house for me and then started looking. Nothing at all was coming up... until after a few weeks (that's all it took), the realtor called me and said meet me at this address right now! So I did. As soon as I walked in the front door, it hit me. I knew this was my house. I did finish looking at the whole house and put in an offer on the spot. There were about 10 people who got there right after me who wanted the house, but my offer and hand money were already in process. Lots of people were just waiting for my deal to fall through, but it didn't. I did have it inspected and checked for radon, etc. I did my due diligence to make sure the house was good, and it passed everything with flying colors! I loved this house then and I still do. Everytime I walk into it, I just get happy! I don't know if you'll have a similar experience, but I attribute mine to that little prayer. The house had only been on the market 4 days when I found it. It hadn't even hit the MLS yet. It was still in its first 10 days and so still an inter-agency listing. The owner had to be in another state ASAP to start a new job, so he was eager to sell fast. So... I got a great price! All in all, it turned out terrifically. It worked out so well for me that that's my suggestion to you: say a little prayer and get a lot of help, if praying is something you do or will consider. No matter what, it can't hurt anything or anyone, and it could help you tremendously!

[@TheFarah84]

Hi will you please share your pray. I believe in praying. JazakAllah

[@misorixious]

A problem difficult to solve is living with other people even your family who do not want to even organize a little! Let alone do more! I would love ideas and a video on that! My room is not perfect but it is the tidiest room in the house!

[@HannahRainbow88]

Having watched Cas (plus Laura "GYST" and Dawn "Minimal Mom") do it, it takes a few years of being the good example for the rest of the family to get on board; 5-10 years for them. Don't nag them or they'll resist it more. Trust me on that; I nagged my mum for 20years to clean up, coz she's a hoarder with asthma... Now she's seeing all the health repercussions I warned her about FOR HERSELF she is starting to get rid of stuff. "You can lead a horse to water, but can't make it drink." Save yourself the stress and heartache, and just focus on your nice clear, calm room instead 🧘‍♀️

[@1Lightdancer]

Whilst it's true we can only do our own bit - having a chore chart and system really helps! I had my daughter make me a 'chores for 1' chart before I moved into my Granny Flat, and she needed to redo the family Chart for the 2 kids, 1 teen, and 2 adults still at home! The older girls (23 and 24) keep much neater homes than their rooms ever were 😂 ... their dad used to post a note on the bathroom mirror with their daily chores. While it's not perfect, and the adults pick up the slack, everyone is more aware of how much easier it is when the person before you did their bit! And that, yes, the adults have chores, too! 😂😂😂 When there hasn't been a clear system, a house meeting may be in order. Melissa Maker recommends each person share which is/ are their MIA - Most Important Area(s) - and decide how to handle those. Kitchen? Bathroom? Surfaces? One friend took photos of different areas of the kitchen, so any of her 3 kids could clean and reset it! Systems like these to corral the stuff helps me, and I love setting a timer for a given task, and seeing how much I can accomplish.

[@suedredge1678]

We ended up doing an addition instead of moving. Don't know if that's an option for you but we are so happy with it and have no regrets. If you love your neighborhood and aren't finding a house that feels right, look into doing an addition. I bet the Property Brothers would do one for you!!

[@francesdonald8743]

It's like Cosplay as a minimalist! Seriously, I have just discovered your channel and I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! You have a great personality and I like how you present things. Great Job.. and thank you!

[@constancebailey1052]

What great advice!.You and Minimal mom are assisting me with setting up a licensed guest house owned by a friend next door . One thing you taught me is that less is betta. Blessings from Belize!

[@mariabernard8726]

Short and to the point! Like combined several of your videos into one , a summary of sort 😊

[@cathyhall7933]

Love this! There are some really great ideas here. My kitchen sides always feel cluttered, so I'm heading off to tackle them right now and add a box to catch the bits.

[@barbarabrittain5861]

I love the tray idea! I’m shopping for trays for all my stuff ❤ Thanks Cass! You are so amazing

[@CheyenneKingActress]

Thank you for this video. You’ve inspired me to clear my kitchen counters while I waited for my tea kettle, watching your video.😊😊😊

[@4BWVan]

I loved when you said "cosplaying as a minimalist." What a great way to look at it!

[@lindakessler7586]

Love the quarantine box. I’ve been doing it but but now that it has a name, I love it even more! Thanks for the ideas

[@Clutterbug]

You're welcome!

[@PK-gw2rz]

This is the most logical decluttering I've ever heard of You're like me I used to be a neat freak and clean I mean deep clean everything you can't live like that now I just make it look like that same way Great advice!

[@lorimoulton17]

Several years ago, I wanted a house with a game room where all the kids could hang out with their friends out of the way. We ended up making do with a small office area as a tv room. I’m so happy I stayed, because as they have gone off to college and gotten their own homes, this one is just perfect again.

[@AmyK007]

Where have these tips been all my life? 😊

[@Deathla]

I agree with these! The hard part is getting the entire household on board.